Yesterday Trump was asked by a reporter what he supports regarding background checks and gun control. Here’s what he had to say…
Q Could just be a little clearer on the gun — your gun position? I don’t —
THE PRESIDENT: Which one?
Q Your position on background checks and guns. What would you support exactly?
THE PRESIDENT: So, Congress is looking at it very strongly. Bipartisan. I put in certain parameters, which you somewhat know about. I’m also very, very concerned with the Second Amendment, more so than most Presidents would be. People don’t realize we have very strong background checks right now.
If you go in to buy a gun, you have to sign up. There are a lot of background checks that have been approved over the years. So I’ll have to see what it is.
But Congress is meeting. Bipartisan. A lot of people want to see something happen. But just remember this: Big mental problem, and we do have a lot of background checks right now.
Q But you’re not willing to support universal background checks right now?
THE PRESIDENT: I’m not saying anything. I’m saying Congress is going to be reporting back to me with ideas. And they’ll come in from Democrats and Republicans. And I’ll look at it very strongly. But just remember, we already have a lot of background checks. Okay? Thank you.
I’m glad for one that Trump is now acknowledging that we do already have ‘a lot of background checks’. It’s true, we don’t need more background checks. They are already in force at gun shows and gun stores in America.
Perhaps they need to be strengthened at the federal level with respect mental health? That seems to be what Trump is indicating when he says things like “Big mental problem”. He’s emphasized mental health a lot in recent past.
With respect to Trump dodging the question about universal background checks, I wouldn’t be too worried about that – at least not yet. It appears to me, with the way he worded his answer, that he doesn’t want to stifle any bipartisan work he’s doing on this issue. And he knows very well that if he indicates support for universal background checks, it will be a catastrophe for him on the right.